Valve

ABSTRACT

A three-piece valve consisting of a body unit, an insert unit and a C-shaped spring unit. The body unit has a horizontal first through passage, a downwardly tapered frusto-conical second through passage, an arcuate groove at the top and a camming surface at each end of the groove. The insert unit comprises a frusto-conical plug member having a transverse third through passage and an annular groove at its lower end. The plug member is located in the second passage and forms intimate rotary contact with the surface defining the second passage. The insert unit also comprises a handle which is integral with the plug member and a pin at the upper end of the plug member and projecting into the arcuate groove. The C-shaped spring unit registers with the annular groove and releasably engages a reversely tapered fourth passage formed in the bottom of the body unit and communicating with the second passage. The parts are so configured and arranged that, upon predetermined rotary movement of the plug member relative to the body unit in either direction, the pin engages and slides along a corresponding camming surface causing release of the plug member from the body unit against the action of the spring unit.

United States Patent [1 1 Levine [4 Dec. 18, 1973 1 VALVE [75] Inventor: Melvin Levine, New York, NY.

[73] Assignee: American Cystoscope Makers, lnc.,

Pelham Manor, NY.

[22] Filed: May 18, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 254,712

2,110,924 3/1938 Teed 251/313 2,898,081 8/1959 Johns0n..... 251/309 2,539,106 1/1951 Schenck..... 251/312 2,615,672 10/1952 Hinrichs 251/309 3,540,694 11/1970 Cornelius 251/310 X Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Attorney-Edgar N. Jay

[ 57] ABSTRACT A three-piece valve consisting of a body unit, an insert unit and a C-shaped spring unit. The body unit has a horizontal first through passage, a downwardly tapered frusto-conical second through passage, an arcuate groove at the top and a camming surface at each end of the groove. The insert unit comprises a frustoconical plug member having a transverse third through passage and an annular groove at its lower end. The plug member is located in the second passage and forms intimate rotary contact with the surface defining the second passage. The insert unit also comprises a handle which is integral with the plug member and a pin at the upper end of the plug member and projecting into the arcuate groove. The C-shaped spring unit registers with the annular groove and releasably engages a reversely tapered fourth passage formed in the bottom of the body unit and communicating with the second passage. The parts are so configured and arranged that, upon predetermined rotary movement of the plug member relative to the body unit in either direction, the pin engages and slides along a corresponding camming surface causing release of the plug member from the body unit against the action of the spring unit.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures VALVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improved and simplified valve for effectively controlling fluid flow to or from a selected device. The invention pertains, more particularly, to a plug type rotary valve employing a minimum number of parts and adapted to be manufactured economically in small or miniature sizes and used advantageously with medical endoscopes or the like.

Plug type rotary valves have been used extensively over the years to control the flow of preselected fluids, such as irrigating liquids, into and from endoscopes. Known prior art valves in this category consist of a relatively large number of small separate parts which may require the use of tools in assembling and disassembling and which are often dropped and lost when handled by unskilled persons. Also, unless such valves are completely disassembled, it is extremely difficult or virtually impossible, depending on the particular valve construction, to thoroughly clean all elements and cornpletely destroy organisms which have becom entrapped in internal parts during use. The difficulties incident to effectively sterilizing known valves is markedly increased by the fact that most instruments with which such valves are used cannot be steam-autoclaved but must be disinfected by immersion in a sterilizing solution or properly exposed to a sterilizing gas. Organisms buried in tight internal crevices of known valves are not always contacted by a sterilizing solution or gas.

It will be evident from the foregoing and from descriptive material appearing below and FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawing, which describe and illustrate a representative prior art valve, that such valves SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The valve of this invention consists in its preferred form of three parts or units, namely, a body unit, an insert unit and a C-shaped spring unit. The body unit is tubular and has a horizontal first through passage, a vertical frusto-conical second through passage which intersects the first passage and tapers downwardly, an arcuate groove at the top of the body unit, and a camming surface at each end of the groove. The insert unit comprises a frusto-conical plug member having a transverse third through passage and an annular groove at its lower end. The plug member is positioned in the second passage and forms intimate sealing contact with the surface defining the second passage. The plug member is rotatable relative to the body unit whereby to place the third passage into or out of communication with the second passage, as desired. The insert unit also comprises a handle which is integral with and positioned above the plug member. A pin is secured to the upper end portion of the plug member and projects into the arcuate groove. The C-shaped spring unit registers withthe annular groove and releasably engages a surface at the bottom of the body unit which defines a fourth passage that is frusto-conical, is reversely tapered from the second passage and communicates with the second passage. The parts are so constructed and i of the character indicated having a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve of the character indicated which is adapted to be easily and quickly assembled or disassembled without the use of tools.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve of the character indicated which is adapted to be readily cleaned and sterilized, as required.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a valve of the character indicated that is simple, compact and attractive in design; that is sturdy and durable in construction; that is reasonable in manufacturing cost; and that is capable of performing its intended functions in an efficient and dependable manner.

The enumerated objects and additional objects will be apparent to persons trained in the art from the ensuing detailed description and the accompanying drawing which respectively describe and illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING In the drawing, wherein like reference numerals identify like parts in the several views:

FIG. 1 is v a central, vertical, longitudinal cross sectional view. of a prior valve in the category of the subject valve;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 1 and illustrates a preferred valve construction embodying this invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the valve of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a lower portion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of an upper portion of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a C-shaped spring clip which I is also shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE. PRIOR ART Prior art, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, exemplifies a conventional valve which has been used for many years as an adjunct to endoscopes for controlling the How of an irrigating liquid or the like through the sheaths of the endoscopes. This valve includes a tubular body 10 having a horizontal through passage 11 and a vertical frusto-conical through passage 12, which, as shown in FIG. 1, tapersinwardly in an upward direction. Body 10 is provided with a bottom arcuate groove 13 that merges and is coaxial with the lower end of passage 12. A frusto-conical plug member 14 is mounted in the body. as shown. The plug member has a transverse through opening 15 which is adapted to be placed into and out of communication with passage 11. The plug member carries a stem 16 and is equipped with a laterally projecting pin 17 that rides in groove 13 and coacts with the portions of the body that define the ends of the groove to limit rotation of the plug member in either direction relative to the body.

The valve also includes a tubular cap 18, a handle 19 which extends through aligned openings in the cap and in stem 16, a helical compression spring 20 and a washer 21, all arranged as best shown in FIG. 1.

The cooperative relationship of the various parts of the illustrated prior art valve and the manner of operating the valve to control fluid flow through body passage 11 will be evident from an examination of FIGS. 1 and DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of a valve of this invention is shown in FIGS. 3 through 7 and consists of three units, namely, a body unit 25, an insert unit 26 and a spring unit 27, all of which are made of suitable materials that are preferably metallic.

Body unit 25 is tubular and defines a horizontal through passage 28. One end of the body unit is externally threaded, as indicated at 29, for engagement with mating internal threads of a hollow connector (not shown) which may be of a type that communicates with the interior of an endoscope sheath (also not shown). The other end of the body unit is provided with an external annular flange 30 for receiving and retaining a conduit connector (not shown). The illustrated valve is adapted to control flow of a selected fluid, such as an irrigating liquid, in either direction by way of passage The body unit is provided with a first, vertical, frustoconical through passage 31 conforming to the surface of revolution of a right circular cone. This passage tapers downwardly and inwardly from the top of the body unit. The longitudinal center lines of passages 28 and 31 are normal to and intersect each other.

The body unit is provided with a second, vertical, frusto-conical passage 32 (FIG. which extends upwardly from its bottom and communicates with passage 31. Passage 32 is tapered reversely from passage 31, i.e., upwardly and inwardly instead of downwardly and inwardly. The longitudinal center lines of passages 31 and 32 are coincident.

The body unit is also provided with an upper arcuate groove 33 (FIGS. 4 and 6) that merges and is coaxial with'passage 31. Groove 33 defines an arc of approximately 90, extending approximately 45 to each side of a vertical plane that is coincident with the longitudinal center lines of passages 28 and 31. The body unit is machined at each end of groove 33 to obtain a corresponding upwardly and outwardly inclined camming surface 34 (FIGS. 4 and 6).

Insert unit 26 is comprised of a plug member 35, a stem 36 and a handle 37 which projects above and to one side of the plug member. The plug member, stern and handle are integral. The plug member carries a pin 38 which projects into groove 33. This pin coacts with the portions of the body unit that define the ends of the groove to limit normal rotational movement of the plug member.

Plug member 35 has a frusto-conical peripheral surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of revolution of a right circular cone. The peripheral surface of the plug member and the surface of the body 1 unit which defines passage 31 are essentially identical in frusto-conical configuration. The plug member is provided with a transverse through opening 39 that is adapted to control fluid flow through body unit 25, depending on the rotational position of the plug member relative to the body unit. Formed at the lower end of the plug member is annular groove 40.

Spring unit 27 consists of a C-shaped spring which registers with groove 40 and is removably retained therein.

The initial step in assembling the above-described valve of this invention consists of mounting spring unit 27 in annular groove 40 of plug member 35. The plug member, together with the spring unit, is then inserted in passage 31 from the top of body unit 25 and moved downwardly relative to the body unit until the parts attain fully assembled condition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. In the course of such downward movement of the plug member, spring unit 27 flexes inwardly of groove 40 as it approaches the juncture of passages 31 and 32 and then flexes outwardly on passing said juncture to the extent allowed by the body unit surface which defines passage 32.

Fluid flow through the valve is controlled by operating handle 37 to effect corresponding increments of rotation of the plug member relative to the body unit. When the parts are in the relative position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve is in fully open condition. The valve is placed in fully closed condition by turning handle 37 approximately in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 4.

The valve is easily and quickly disassembled by merely operating handle 37 to turn plug member 35 in either direction and cause pin 38 to engage and ride along a corresponding carl'iming surface 34. This effects simultaneous upward movement of plug member 35 and inward flexing of spring unit 27, allowing the latter to move upwardly past the juncture of passages 31 and 32, at which time the insert unit, together with the spring unit, may be lifted out of the body unit.

Based on the foregoing, it is believed that the construction, operation, objects and advantages of my present invention will be readily comprehended by persons skilled in the art, without further description. It is to be clearly understood, however, that various changes in the construction described above and illustrated in the drawing may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it being intended that all matter contained in the description or shown in the drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In a valve of the character described, a body unit having a first through passage, a frusto-conical second through passage intersecting the first passage, and at least one external camming surface; an insert unit comprising a frusto-conical plug member having a third through passage, said plug member being positioned in the second passage and forming intimate contact with the surface of the body unit defining the second passage, said plug member also being rotatable relative to the body unit through a predetermined arc whereby to place the third passage into or out of communication with the first passage, to open and close said valve as desired, and an element carried by one end portion of the plug member and projecting to one side thereof; and a spring unit carried by the other end portion of the plug member and engaging the body unit in a manner to releasably maintain the plug member in the second passage, said element engaging and coacting with the camming surface in response to predetermined rotary movement of the plug member relative to the body unit beyond said predetermined arc to release the plug member from the body unit against the action of the spring unit. I

2. In a valve of the character described, a body unit having a horizontal first through passage, a vertical frusto-conical second through passage intersecting the first passage and tapering downwardly from the top of the body unit, and at least one camming surface formed at its top; an insert unit comprising a frusto-conical plug member having a third through passage, said plug member being positioned in the second passage and forming intimate contact with the surface of the body unit defining the second passage, said plug member also being rotatable relative to the body unit through a predetermined arc whereby to place the third passage into or out of communiation with the first passage, to open and close said valve as desired, and an element carried by the upper portion of the plug member and rotatable therewith; and a spring unit carried by the lower portion of the plug member and engaging the body unit in a manner to releasable maintain the plug member in the secondpassage, said element engaging and coacting with the camming surface in response to predetermined rotary movement of the plug member relative to the body unit beyond said predetermined arc to release the plug member from the body unit against the action of the spring unit.

3. A valve according to claim 2 wherein an upper portion of the body unit is provided with an arcuate groove which is coaxial with the longitudinal center 4..A valve according to claim 3 wherein a camming surface is provided at the other end of the groove, each camming surface being inclined upwardly and outwardly.

5. A valve according to claim 2 wherein the lower portion of the plug member is provided with a substantially coaxial annular groove and the spring unit comprises a C-shaped spring which is mounted in the annular groove and normally projects beyond the peripheral surface of the plug member.

6. A valve according to claim 5 wherein the body unit is provided with a fourth passage extending upwardly from its bottom and communicating directly with the second passage, said fourth passage being flared downwardly and outwardly, said spring unit bearing against the surface of the body unit which defines the fourth passage when the valve is in normal assembled condition.

7. A valve according to claim 6 wherein an upper portion of the body unit is provided with an arcuate groove which is coaxial with the longitudinal center line of the second passage and which merges with the second passage, and a said camming surface is provided at each end of the arcuate groove, each camming surface being inclined upwardly and outwardly, and wherein the element comprises a pin which is adapted to move along the groove and engage and slide along either camming surface upon corresponding rotation of the plug member.

8. A valve according to claim 7 wherein the insert unit includes a handle integral with and projecting above the plug member. 

1. In a valve of the character described, a body unit having a first through passage, a frusto-conical second through passage intersecting the first passage, and at least one external camming surface; an insert unit comprising a frusto-conical plug member having a third through passage, said plug member being positioned in the second passage and forming intimate contact with the surface of the body unit defining the second passage, said plug member also being rotatable relative to the body unit through a predetermined arc whereby to place the third passage into or out of communication with the first passage, to open and close said valve as desired, and an element carried by one end portion of the plug member and projecting to one side thereof; and a spring unit carried by the other end portion of the plug member and engaging the body unit in a manner to releasably maintain the plug member in the second passage, said element engaging and coacting with the camming surface in response to predetermined rotary movement of the plug member relative to the body unit beyond said predetermined arc to release the plug member from the body unit against the action of the spring unit.
 2. In a valve of the character described, a body unit having a horizontal first through passage, a vertical frusto-conical second through passage intersecting the first passage and tapering downwardly from the top of the body unit, and at least one camming surface formed at its top; an insert unit comprising a frusto-conical plug member having a third through passage, said plug member being positioned in the second passage and forming intimate contact with the surface of the body unit defining the second passage, said plug member also being rotatable relative to the body unit through a predetermined arc whereby to place the third passage into or out of communiation with the first passage, to open and close said valve as desired, and an element carried by the upper portion of the plug member and rotatable therewiTh; and a spring unit carried by the lower portion of the plug member and engaging the body unit in a manner to releasable maintain the plug member in the second passage, said element engaging and coacting with the camming surface in response to predetermined rotary movement of the plug member relative to the body unit beyond said predetermined arc to release the plug member from the body unit against the action of the spring unit.
 3. A valve according to claim 2 wherein an upper portion of the body unit is provided with an arcuate groove which is coaxial with the longitudinal center line of the second passage and which merges with the second passage, the camming surface is at one end of the groove, and the element comprises a pin which is adapted to move along the groove and engage the camming surface.
 4. A valve according to claim 3 wherein a camming surface is provided at the other end of the groove, each camming surface being inclined upwardly and outwardly.
 5. A valve according to claim 2 wherein the lower portion of the plug member is provided with a substantially coaxial annular groove and the spring unit comprises a C-shaped spring which is mounted in the annular groove and normally projects beyond the peripheral surface of the plug member.
 6. A valve according to claim 5 wherein the body unit is provided with a fourth passage extending upwardly from its bottom and communicating directly with the second passage, said fourth passage being flared downwardly and outwardly, said spring unit bearing against the surface of the body unit which defines the fourth passage when the valve is in normal assembled condition.
 7. A valve according to claim 6 wherein an upper portion of the body unit is provided with an arcuate groove which is coaxial with the longitudinal center line of the second passage and which merges with the second passage, and a said camming surface is provided at each end of the arcuate groove, each camming surface being inclined upwardly and outwardly, and wherein the element comprises a pin which is adapted to move along the groove and engage and slide along either camming surface upon corresponding rotation of the plug member.
 8. A valve according to claim 7 wherein the insert unit includes a handle integral with and projecting above the plug member. 